Wassili Franko

The canonical art historical and Christian motif of the Crucifixion resurrects with a new interpretation in Wassili Franko's video work, 5Gesus. Franko replaces traditional figures with the elements of popular culture – internet memes and mainstream media – and puts them into the mystical environment of a medieval cloister to explore the social and political issues that shape modern society, such as the rise of conspiracy theories. Surrounded by minions dressed in monks’ cloaks, an exhausted body, crowned with thorns, is nailed to a 5G antenna — a network structure that began appearing across the world in the early 2020s, stirring fear and confusion as people grappled with the growing devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic. What is concerning to the artist is the growing number of conspiracy theories and its followers, which contributes to the radicalization of society and blurs the line between truth and speculation. The setting feels intentional: just as religion once helped people make sense of the unknown, conspiracy theories now offer their own explanations for today’s uncertainties. Followers chase “secret knowledge,” as if searching for hidden truths in ancient texts written by medieval alchemists.

Excalibur, the mystical sword of King Arthur, takes center stage in Wassili Franko’s Schwerter [Swords] cycle. Embedded in rock, it pierces a surreal assortment of objects — watermelon, cough syrup, pineapple, banana, iPhone, milk carton, cereal box, and Newport cigarettes.

Originally, the large-scale prints served as promotional posters for renowned hip-hop events in Hamburg, showcasing both prominent and emerging artists from the American and European scenes. Over the years, the trap scene has played a pivotal role in shaping internet youth culture — generating memes, redefining language, and influencing leisure activities. In Franko’s work, the buzzing energy of the internet lore collides with the nobility of heroic legends, weaving together old and contemporary histories to reflect an ever-expanding cultural landscape.

The work Don’t Touch the Hologram is purely self-referential, aware of its own existence and the potential danger it poses to those who come too close. In this case, the shape of the object defines its content. By stating, “Don’t touch the hologram,” it breaks the fourth wall, directly addressing the viewer and urging them to maintain their distance.

Being a full-blown mockery, Wassili Franko's video work Commercial Break takes the form of an advertisement — the type one would see on a pirate streaming platform — with sharp editing, catchy soundtrack, and full of empty promises. Franko combines AI-generated images, stock footage and 3D animations to disguise the artwork both as a trailer for a fake Monsters, Inc. sequel and a fictitious cryptocurrency advertisement — GlobalCoin, which deliberately alludes to the real blockchain project — Worldcoin — often criticized for targeting lower-income communities. In this work, Franko satirizes the clichéd narratives of modern advertisements that prey on people’s struggles — exacerbated by the growing economic crisis — by peddling illusions of quick and effortless wealth. This, in turn, opens up a broader dialogue on the increasing digitalization of society, where the concept of digital “citizenship” and its side-effects might be closer than we think.